The views of Jewish patients are being sought by the General Medical Council as it launches a consultation on equality.

The council aims to use the advice to avoid discriminating against patients from minority groups.

It is hoped this will assist foreign doctors in the UK to learn more about British medical standards and ethics and respect patients' beliefs.

Jewish groups have previously highlighted the need for doctors to be aware of halachic requirements such as prompt burials.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, said: "It's crucial that we do what we can to improve the standards of care for everybody and use our influence to reduce inequalities. We want to hear as many views as possible to help us shape our plans to achieve this."